Almost 150 years ago, three men dressed in female attire were hauled in front of a judge at a court in Salford, with hundreds of locals queuing up to experience and mock the courtroom drama first-hand.
In October 1874, the men - a dancer, a weaver and a jeweller’s apprentice - were all arrested under the Vagrancy Act of 1824 after being caught clutching invitations on the way to a ‘Queen of Camp’ drag ball.
Four years later, in 1880, police rocked up to the Temperance Hall in Hulme after receiving reports that men at a drag ball were dressed extravagantly in women’s attire inside. 38 men were arrested that night. Thankfully, those days are now over and drag is celebrated throughout most of the world - especially so here in Manchester.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
For one night, Manchester's Drag Ball is making a welcome return and will take over the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to raise vital funds for HIV charity George House Trust. With guests asked to dress spectacularly, the night on May 25 will be hosted by two of Manchester’s finest drag stars: Misty Chance and Anna Phylactic.
“There will be over two hours of fabulous entertainment showcasing a variety of diverse and vibrant Greater Manchester drag,” Misty tells the M.E.N.
“We’re delighted to confirm Viva La Diva, Chi Chi Monroe, Donna Trump, Shania Pain, Annebelle Lecter, Beverly Tight Lipps, Coco Pop, Missy Jay, Verry Cherry, Wolfy, The Vicar’s Daughter, Marie La Rae and Blaq Ivory will all be joining us too.”
The event marks the fourth Drag Ball from George House Trust, with the first ball taking place in July 2015. It will mark the first since 2019 and will feature performers from LGBTQ+ venues and organisations, including Bar Pop, The Goose, Glitter Palace, Haus of Lasair and Filthy Gorgeous.
“The ball is a great way to showcase the talents of the drag community whilst highlighting the work of George House Trust in a fun and entertaining way,” Misty explains.
“I’ve been involved in George House Trust’s Drag Ball since the very beginning. It was a way for drag performers to use our networks and profile to reach people beyond The Gay Village and rally the area around supporting people living with HIV.
“The Drag Ball is a wonderful event which has evolved over the years in scale and complexity. After having a break due to the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that people attend the 2023 Drag Ball to support George House Trust and experience the amazing talent of our homegrown drag performers.”
As guests will be expected to don their most show-stopping looks, it’s only fair that Misty and Anna will be dressing for the occasion too.
“I always have a Drag Ball outfit made and I see these as keepsakes,” Misty recalls. “I still have each of my Drag Ball costumes, including a Ball gown of the late great Madam ‘Nana’ Aries who was a big supporter of George House Trust. I’m hoping to put it on display in the Gay Village as a fundraising activity in the future.”
Darren Knight, Chief Executive at George House Trust, added: “Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has always been an amazing partner, supporter and friend of George House Trust. They have worked tirelessly with us over the years to help support our cause and really understand how HIV has changed, and how far we have yet to go to keep fighting the stigma and the fear that surrounds it.
“The Drag Ball is a wonderful event to celebrate queer joy and culture whilst raising money for our vital support services at the same time.”
Commenting on the Drag Ball, Johan Scheepers, General Manager of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said: “Our support of George House Trust is something we are extremely proud of. To see how they have helped people living with HIV as well as those around them is incredible.
“It's our pleasure to be able to continue to support such an amazing cause with such an exciting event – while demonstrating some of Manchester’s incredible local drag talent at the same time.”
Tickets are available to book online now for £75 per ticket, which includes welcome drinks, food, and performances.
READ NEXT:
